Economics at Canisius University

Canisius University's economics graduates earn notably more than their peers across New York State, clearing $55,786 in their first year—that's about $5,700 above the state median and roughly $4,000 above the national benchmark. Among New York's 74 economics programs, this places Canisius in the 60th percentile, a respectable showing that becomes even more interesting when you consider graduates carry only $25,500 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means students should be able to manage their loans comfortably while establishing themselves financially.

The 14% earnings growth to nearly $64,000 by year four suggests solid career progression, though these figures come from a small sample size (under 30 graduates), so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest. Still, the fundamentals look sound: manageable debt paired with above-average starting salaries in a market where economics degrees typically lead to diverse career paths in business, finance, and analysis.

For families weighing options, Canisius delivers economics outcomes that beat most SUNY campuses and private competitors at this price point. You're not getting Ivy-adjacent salaries like Barnard or Cornell grads ($85,000+), but you're also not taking on crushing debt to get there. The combination of competitive earnings and below-average debt makes this a practical choice for students interested in economics without the credential obsession.